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The Raiders host the Rams in just four days, with the regular season action we’ve all been waiting over nine months for finally on the doorstep.

Yes, the Raiders are without Khalil Mack, but they still have a season to play.

Let’s take a look at some of the leading storylines entering Jon Gruden’s second tenure in Oakland.

Can Gruden back up his flare with results?

I’m not sure more interest surrounds a single head coach in the NFL than Gruden here in Oakland. He held a fan appreciation day in a small parking lot where over 500 Raiders fans showed, for crying out loud. He also just traded his best player, showing his hero status can quickly turn with one decision. There’s no doubt cautious optimism surrounds Chucky’s return, mixed with some hatred after his most recent move. Fans are still holding out hope the big-name coach will live up to the hype, even if Khalil Mack isn’t here. But can Gruden actually win regular season games when it comes down to it?

How will Raiders try and compensate for loss of Mack?

I say “try” because there’s no guarantee it can be done. Mack is a once-in-a-lifetime talent that the Raiders will more likely than not regret trading. However, the likes of Bruce Irvin, Arden Key and Tank Carradine hope to fill the void in 2018. Paul Guenther is also a better defensive coordinator than Ken Norton Jr. or John Pagano, and that will help make up for the loss of Mack. Don’t expect pure dominance from the Raiders’ defensive line like there might’ve been if Mack was around, but don’t expect the unit to wilt either.

Derek Carr back to 2016 level after subpar 2017?

We know Carr wasn’t completely healthy after returning from three back fractures he suffered in Week 4 against the Broncos last season. But a healthy No. 4, along with an offensive-minded head coach who challenges him mentally far more than Jack Del Rio, should do wonders for the Raiders’ chances this season. Everyone around the Raiders has professed Carr is wiser, better and ready to show the near-MVP self he was two years ago. Now he has to back those words with his play if the Raiders want any chance to win games.

Defense any better after personnel overhaul?

Adding Irvin to the defensive line should help, and the linebacking corps seems stronger with Tahir Whitehead, veteran Derrick Johnson and a wiser Marquel Lee, among others. The question lies within the secondary: Can Gareon Conley stay healthy, and who else will start alongside Karl Joseph? Marcus Gilchrist? Reggie Nelson? Even Erik Harris? And how big a role will new signee Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie play? Plenty of potential lies on this Raiders defense, but also plenty of questions.

Can Kolton Miller hold his own on offensive line?

The rookie first-rounder will start at left tackle against the vaunted Rams defense to open the regular season. He’s performed well enough on Carr’s blindside that three-time Pro Bowler Donald Penn was forced over to right tackle upon his return from injury. Miller played sparingly in the preseason and didn’t face a good pass-rush. Now he gets the Rams, Broncos, Dolphins, Browns and Chargers to start the season. Welcome to the league, rook.

What to make of Raiders’ receiving corps?

Just a couple weeks ago, it seemed as if the Raiders would have one of their deeper receiving corps in recent memory with Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Martavis Bryant and Ryan Switzer leading the way. Switzer was traded and Bryant released. Now the Raiders have Seth Roberts as their No. 3, and Dwayne Harris, Keon Hatcher and Brandon LaFell behind him. All of a sudden the Raiders don’t seem deep at all at receiver, but can the committee of small-name guys pull some tricks out of their sleeves to help Carr and Gruden fulfill their offensive vision?

Bruce Irvin double-digit sacks?

The veteran linebacker-turned-defensive end has made it clear he wants at least 10 sacks for the first time in his career. Playing opposite Mack would’ve likely freed him up to get that many, but now it’ll be a tougher task. Can Irvin still reach double digits? Sure. It’ll depend on how well the likes of Key, Carradine and Frostee Rucker play, but Irvin in a leading role on your defense is certainly a good thing to have.

Will Derrick Johnson show his age at MLB?

The oldest player on the team (he’ll be 36 in November) needs to prove his legs are still young to anchor Oakland’s defense. If they’re not, a second-year middle linebacker in Marquel Lee is waiting in the wings. If they do, though, the Raiders will have a welcome treat on their hands. Johnson played 13 years for the Chiefs before signing with the Raiders as a free agent, largely in part because he felt he had enough left in the tank to help the Raiders win now. We’ll see if he can live that vision out toward the tail end of his career.